Contractors Insurance

Source: Fisher & Phillips, LLP By John E. Thompson If you plan to hire anyone under 18 years old for the summer, you should be thoroughly familiar with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act’s child-labor limitations. The U.S. Labor Department enforces these rules strictly and aggressively. Don’t count on good intentions and “close enough” to… Read more »

The United States is trending towards increasingly tighter regulations on the amount of lead found in plumbing fixtures. So just what does this mean for plumbers? Check out what Lowes for Pros has to say about Lead Free Faucets and the New Lead Rules.

According to Electrical Contractor, Power & Integrated Building Systems magazine, the OSHA outlook for electrical contractors in 2011 is not promising. OSHA is enhancing fines and penalties for code violations, regardless of effort on the behalf of the contractor. Read OSHA Outlook 2011 for more information.

Avoiding Underground Utility Damage Striking an underground utility line means potential injury, work delays, extra costs and eventually, an insurance claim. The utility will almost certainly make a claim to recover its repair costs, charges that sometimes total $10,000 or more. Therefore, it is important to follow best practices when excavating. Best Practices As required,… Read more »

Are You Putting Your Business at Risk? A real life claim brought to light the risks associated with the personal use of business vehicles. An employee of the insured brought the insured’s company-owned vehicle home after work. When pulling into his driveway, the vehicle struck and killed a one-year-old child. The business faced potential exposure… Read more »

What is a certificate of insurance and what can it do? A certificate of insurance is a document that summarizes the terms, conditions and duration of an insurance contract, but it is not the contract itself. The certificate shows what type of insurance is in place at the time it is requested. It does not… Read more »

Treatment of Independent Contractors in the Construction Industry Effective 10/26/2010, NY has clarified the way that they view subcontractors in the construction industry. The new law states that you are considered an employee unless: You are free from direction and control in performing your job AND You perform work that is not part of the… Read more »

Worker safety and health do affect your insurance premiums As a contractor, you know that to be insured, you are required to comply with the U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Insurance carriers know OSHA regulations reduce worker injuries and illnesses, thus reducing their liability and improving their bottom… Read more »

“The Slippery Slope of Liability” Come join us Tuesday, October 26 while we discuss what you, the contractor, can do to protect yourself with loss control ideas and contract language as you prepare for the snow plowing season. All are welcome! Refreshments will be provided. You can reserve your spot by calling Bill Burke or Dick Miller at… Read more »

The information contained in the above articles have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The information is general in nature and may not apply to all circumstances. American National family of companies’ affiliates, agents and employees do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no liability, expressed or implied, in connection therewith. Further, the information is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with an appropriate legal advisor.